A DAMAGED street tree at Anzac Terrace in Bassendean has sparked the relocation of a vandalism awareness sign on Wicks Street, which caused “havoc” among residents for about two years.
At the council meeting on March 28, Bassendean councillors voted to remove the Wicks Street sign in Eden Hill and move it to Anzac Terrace, where a 15.4m mature tree had been vandalised.
The “vandalism awareness” sign will be installed on the verge until the tree recovers or when new trees were established in two years time.
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READ NOWIn October, council rejected a proposal to remove the tree on Anzac Terrace.
According to an officer’s report, during an inspection this month the tree’s health declined and a number of holes were drilled or punched into its base.
Under council policy, in the event that a person had illegally removed, damaged, pruned or poisoned a street tree, council may prosecute the offender under the Local Government Act.
The report said a new sign would cost about $1200 and removal of the tree would cost $3000.
Mayor John Gangell said the vandalism sign on Wicks Street could be reused and moved to Anzac Terrace.
“The point has well and truly been made that the sign is creating a bit of havoc,” he said.
“The tree has largely recovered so this is the opportune time to remove the sign.”
Operational services director Simon Stewart-Dawkins said staff would ensure Anzac Terrace residents’ views would not be disrupted.
In February, the Eastern Reporter reported the warning sign against further vandalism on Wicks Street posed a “dangerous risk” to some residents but the Town of Bassendean said the sign would remain.